Marsha Barber

Marsha Kolbe Barber, 72, of Marshalltown, IA, passed away on Monday, August 21, 2023 at home.

Marsha Kay Kolbe was born January 31, 1951 in Rhodes, Iowa to Stanley E. Kolbe, Sr. and Wanda L. (George) Kolbe. After graduating from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Education, she completed her Master’s Degree at Slippery Rock University. She then taught across the US, in Iowa, Minnesota, and New York. Marsha dedicated her life to enriching the lives of her students and was a cherished teacher by many.

Left to cherish her memory are her two children, Erik Barber (Dorothy) of Falls Church, VA and Marisa Barber (Alex Mandolidis) of Winnipeg MB; her father, Stanley E. Kolbe of Marshalltown, IA; her siblings, Stanley E. Kolbe, Jr. (Nina) and Sherry Kolbe of Washington, DC, and David Kolbe of Marshalltown, IA; and her grandchildren whom she loved dearly, Andrew and Henry Barber.

Marsha is preceded in death by her beloved husband, William (Bill) O’Rourke, and her mother, Wanda Kolbe.

Per the family’s wishes, there will not be a public service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy and memorialize Marsha to consider donating to their favorite charity in Marsha’s name. Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements of Marsha and her family. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com.